Alice L. Delphais

Alice L. Delphais passed away on March 7, 2025 at her cherished home in West Chester, PA after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 78.  Alice is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Robert E. Delphais; daughter, Barbara Bottke (John); and son, Robert Delphais, Jr. (Carolyn) all of West Chester, PA.  Alice is also survived by her granddaughter, Erin Fuchs (Nicholas) of Massapequa Park, NY; grandson, Tyler Bottke (Jonathan) of West Chester, PA; and great-granddaughter, Annabelle Alice Fuchs.  Alice is also survived by a longtime family friend, Debbie, who helped care for her in her final years.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles E. Travis and Ruth M. Travis; sister, Barbara Jean Travis; and in-laws Robert and Helen Delphais.  

Alice was born on February 17, 1947 in West Chester.  While attending high school in West Chester, she met her husband, Bob.  Alice & Bob hit the ground running starting their family.  After some years taking care of the home and kids, Alice was instrumental in helping her husband start and manage the first family business, Delphais Collision Service.  An autobody man by trade, her husband confidently relied on Alice to run the office.  She took accounting courses to make sure the books were in order and ensure continued success for her family – all while maintaining a comfortable, inviting home.

Outside of “the shop”, Alice was an avid reader and seamstress – a skill she learned from her mother, Ruth.  It was no surprise for Alice to sew her children and grandchildren’s clothes as well as clothes for the girls’ dolls.

Alice thrived on being a supporting wife, mother and grandmother.  Aside from managing the body shop office, you would find Alice with her kids in the bleachers cheering and praying for her husband racing on the dirt tracks at night.  She continued her biggest fan personality watching her son play football, daughter twirl the baton in marching band, granddaughter at dance competitions and grandson play baseball.

As time went on, Alice & Bob built a successful life and family together.  Weekends were spent at their second home in Galena, Maryland on the Sassafras River with family and friends, including longtime friends Sandy and the late William Thomas.

Alice & Bob eventually sold their autobody business and devoted their time and resources to establishing and growing a commercial real estate presence in West Chester.  Alice continued to be on the backend of the operation, communicating with their tenants and sustaining the bookkeeping.  She was able to take a step back from the business operations thanks to both of her kids and now grandson, but her ambition of continuing a thriving family business lives on to this day.

Years later, Alice curated a sanctuary at their other home in Hobe Sound, Florida where they were able to escape the cold winters and welcome family and friends and further achieve Alice’s life goal of making memories.

While Alice will be missed beyond words, her life will be forever memorialized by her ambition to put others first.  You always had a seat at the table in her kitchen for dinner.  A local charity always had her support.  And most of all, a big smile, hug and laugh were a guarantee in her presence.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitations on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380, and on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 9:00 am - 9:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc.; 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380; followed by her Funeral Service at 10:00 am. 

Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery West Chester PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you support one of the following organizations:
BrightFocus Foundation for Alzheimer's Disease Research
The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement